Pests like ants, spiders, termites, bed bugs, rodents, possums, birds, cockroaches and borers all sometime or the other find their way into our homes and causing disruptions and discomfort by their presence and activity. Weather changes also speeds their way in as they seek shelter, warmth, moisture and a safe place to brood. So at the first sight of a heavy infestation you might be calling in pest control Brisbane service providers to do a complete eradication.
But how do pests end up in your home in the first place? What are the things that make it easy for them to enter? Obviously you are not doing something right or leaving certain openings for their easy entry.
Top Five Entry Points of Pests into Your Home
If we are conscious about entry points pests take, then we can be better prepared to minimize their entry and save ourselves a lot of trouble.
Exhaust fans and vents: Dryers and attic vents in our homes allow heat to move out from our clothes dryers and attics, yet they also are entry points of rodents and possums and even birds. Exhaust fans also serve as entry points for ants, cockroaches and rodents. So regular checking and occasionally maintaining these entry points will minimize the possibility of these pests gaining entry inside your home. Screens in dryer vents and exhaust fans are very effective in keeping pests out and also it’s important to see there are no rips or holes in these screens which may happen from wear and tear. If accidentally you find a possum trapped, it’s best to call in pest control Brisbane service specialists who safely remove the live animal from getting killed.
Garage doors: Garage doors are often left open when we take out our vehicle and it’s a very common point of entry for pests! Like doors and windows garage doors are exposed a great deal to weathering. They also experience wear and tear and this causes gaps or cracks in them. Many people also use garage space to store cartons, food and also trash that prove haven for pest and attract them in hordes. So keeping garage clutter free and keeping things organized and in neat piles minimizes the presence of unwanted pests.
Gutters: Pests especially vermin are attracted to dirty gutters. When gutters remain unclean gets clogged and filled with dirt and debris. They then become fertile breeding ground for all kinds of pests. Through the gutters these pests get access to any openings or gaps in your siding or roof and get in. So keeping gutters washed, clean and debris free checks pest presence and lowers their chances of gaining access inside your homes.
Windows and doors: But it is obvious that the doors and windows of your home are the main points of entry for pests. This is not because we frequently open them but due to constant use they get vulnerable to wear and tear and develop cracks, gaps and crevices which prove as magic routes for ants, cockroaches and other pests to gain entry and create a mess. Check holes in screens and mend them, Seal wall cracks and also gaps in framework of doors and windows. Installing door sweeps makes a tight seal at the door end, closing gaps that allow entry. Adding weather stripping to your windows also helps in keeping pests at bay.
Attics: Most attics are sealed. However gaps in vents of roof allow entry routes for rodents, birds and possums. Once they get inside pests can make their way to electrical wires or pipelines and gain entry inside your house. People also use attics as stores much like garages. So they often get untidy and invite pests. So keeping things in attic organized and regular checking can minimize pest presence.
And to add a few more to the list for those unsuspecting factors that invite pests are-
Firewood: Most of you must be having a nice fireplace for cold season. Termites love settling in firewood seeking warmth. The more you have firewood the more chances of termites you have. The more you store firewood near your hose the greater chances of termite entry. So before bringing your firewood inside your home check for pest presence as once they come in it would be tough to remove them unless you call pest control Brisbane service specialists.
Chimneys: Sometimes fast climbing vermin and birds gain entry through chimneys. So regular checking on chimney is very important. At least once yearly inspect chimney cap and if you do not have one, install one as it screens out larger pests and keeps a few in out too.
Wall passage: Many cable, heating, ventilation and plumbing parts pass through home walls. Check these frequently and seal to prevent pest entry. Caulk outside and spray foam on the inside.
